CARSON CITY Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) today announced 25 grant awards totaling $11,075,467 in Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ESSER) funding available through the federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Nevada was awarded $117,185,045 in ESSER funding, 90% or over $105 million of which was distributed to local education agencies through a formula determined by the U.S. Department of Education. The remaining funds were set aside for Statewide activities to be allocated through a competitive grant process. The three priority areas identified for ESSER competitive allocations were high-quality professional development, high-quality digital instructional materials, and wraparound services for students, families, and communities.

NDE received 69 applications from local education agencies, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations requesting nearly $35 million in funding. The final award amounts are broken down as follows:

• In the area of high-quality professional development, twelve awards were made totaling $2,099,181;
• In the area of high-quality digital instructional materials, six awards were made totaling $2,016,457; and
• In the area of wraparound services, thirteen awards were made totaling $6,959,829. 

“We are proud to see the number of organizations stepping up to support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in our schools as demonstrated by the broad applicant pool,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We are confident that, as a result of our rigorous review process, funds are being allocated where they have the greatest impact for our students, families, and communities.”

The application process for ESSER competitive began on July 2, 2020 and applications were due on August 19, 2020. NDE offered technical assistance and support for all applicants including webinars and open office hours. NDE will be providing alternative resource information to applicants who did not receive grant funding. Continued technical assistance and support also remains available to local education agencies and organizations supporting COVID-19 recovery efforts in Nevada’s schools.

For more information on the ESSER grant process and other grant opportunities.